Hey there,

I’m back with my second library review from my “Minnesota Tour of Libraries.” I didn’t have a name for this quest before and I just thought of that now, so that’s what it’s called now. Most of the libraries I’m starting with are libraries we’ve already been to before. But I want 381 pictures of my daughter and I outside each library; so we start from square 1. Plus it’s interesting to see how they change over time, or how they rotate play areas in the children’s areas. Libraries have always been important and sacred places to me. They provide a doorway into different worlds and allow you to escape for a while. Similar to watching movies for those of you who prefer tv to books. That’s okay by the way, just make sure you carve out a little time to read every once in a while. Even if it’s just reading to your kids at bedtime; do it.

Northtown library is a decent sized library with well sectioned off areas; kids, teens, etc. When you walk in you’re greeted by a few tables before entering the larger part of the library. Why is this worth noting? Because I usually pack a lunch along for my daughter and I, so it’s nice to have a place to sit. They have many rotating displays of books such as Minnesota Authors, Staff Picks, Black History Month, etc. I like these and I’ve picked books off of these types of shelves a few times because they look interesting and they are books I likely wouldn’t have picked up otherwise. The children’s area is completely walled-off and separate from the larger area of the library. I LOVE this because it’s easier to keep track of kiddos. Plus I’m sure the adults in the library like it too since kids are well, ya know, kids.

Since we’ve been here before, I have other experiences to draw from. The staff have always been friendly and helpful, the toys rotate quite a bit in the kid’s area, and they have a larger selection of books compared to other smaller libraries I’ve been to. I would recommend checking the Northtown Library website to check for different events like story time, crafts, and even events for adults. Much of my content is kid focused since I am on this library tour with my daughter, but there are plenty of offerings for adults as well. As I make my way through these hundreds of libraries I’m sure I’ll get better ay mentioning adult-friendly things as well. But give me a minute okay? This is only my second library. I’m new here and I’m still figuring this out. So lets get to the part where it’s easy to decipher the good and bad of the library.

Overall Star Rating:

Important Things to Know 

• Address: 711 County Hwy 10 NE, Blaine, MN 55434

• Library System: Anoka County

• Parking: Yes, parking lot

• Accessibility: Yes

My Ratings 

• Book selection: 4/5

• Children’s area: 3/5

• Amenities: 3/5

• Cleanliness: 4/5

• Staff friendliness: 4/5

• Restrooms: 3/5

Best for: Families and teens. The teen area is tucked away in the back left corner of the library and seems like the perfect sanctuary for teenagers to rest and reset. I did not notice a high noise volume. Sometimes the teen areas can get a little rowdy- because, well teenagers. Appear to have separate work-space rooms for quiet study.

Would I come back? Yes

Unique Feature(s): 

• Completely sectioned off children’s area
• Crafternoon toddler activity/story time with make and take crafts. Registration required

Photo

** More photos on my Instagram and Facebook pages

Nearby food/coffee/things to do:

This library is in Blaine, MN; so of course there’s plenty to do. Blaine is a pretty big area and has most anything you would want to do (except maybe a rollercoaster. I’ll include the rollercoasters when I go to Shakopee & Bloomington). I’ll list a couple of my favorite spots since I’m privy to the Blaine area. You could easily make a day out of coming to Northtown Library and doing some other nearby things.

• Northtown Mall: this is kitty corner from the library
• Applebee’s: this may sound silly- but I’m a sucker for Applebee’s, so if you are too it’s nearby
• Chuck E. Cheese: perfect for a rainy day with the kids
• Feed My Starving Children: if you and your kiddos are looking for an opportunity to volunteer
• Springbrook Nature Center: this is technically in Fridley, but it’s only a 7 minute drive around the corner from the library
• Aquatore Park: this is right next to the iconic Blaine “bubble” water tower, and is a favorite among kids

So, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my second library on The Minnesota Tour of Libraries. I’ll continue making various forms of content about each library, so be sure to check out my other social media pages. That’s all for now.

Talk soon,

Corrah